Two players from the Portugal national team hug on the field, one wearing a jersey with the name Diogo J and the number 21, the other wearing a jersey with the name Ronaldo and the number 7.
Cristiano Ronaldo speaks out about the sad passing of his compatriot and friend, Diogo Jota | Camara Enrique Sanz
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Cristiano, devastated, has no words after Diogo Jota's death: 'Right now'

The captain of the Portuguese national team speaks out on social media after the tragedy

by

Enrique Sanz

The news of Diogo Jota's death in a traffic accident during his vacation in Spain has shocked the world of soccer. The Liverpool player was enjoying his free time between seasons, starting a new life after the recent changes in his personal life.

Indeed, the red striker had married his lifelong partner, thus strengthening a bond created over thirteen years and with three children. The marriage to Rute Cardoso was one of the happiest moments in the Portuguese footballer's life, whose passing has left multiple expressions of condolence from many public figures.

Two players from the Portugal national team talk on the field during a match, both wearing red uniforms, and one of them partially covers his face with his jersey.
Cristiano Ronaldo comforts Diogo Jota during a match with Portugal's national team | Real Madrid Confidencial

One of the most striking is Cristiano Ronaldo's. The former "7" of Real Madrid, now a player for Al-Nassr, still remains involved in matters concerning the Portugal national team. The new coach, Roberto Martínez, has decided to make him one of its most effective positional forwards, almost always starting and being replaced when the match passes the hour mark.

Upon learning of the sad news of the loss of his teammate and friend, the former Real Madrid player was very direct through his social media. "It makes no sense. We were just together with the national team, you just got married", wrote the Portuguese "7" on his official Instagram account, referring to Diogo Jota's last moments.

Simple words to accompany

"To your family, your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you'll always be with them", said Cristiano Ronaldo. The conclusion of this message, published on the official social media of the Funchal striker, is even more moving: "RIP Diogo and Andre, we'll all miss you".

This message from Cristiano Ronaldo adds to all the expressions of condolence published in recent hours. The death of Diogo Jota and his brother André, who was also traveling in the crashed car, leaves all their national teammates devastated.

Two players in green uniforms are doing warm-up exercises on a training field.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Jota training during a training camp with Portugal's national team | Real Madrid Confidencial

The bond between Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Jota was much deeper than it seemed. The Liverpool striker himself stated in several interviews, published at the beginning of this decade, that the former Real Madrid and Juventus of Turin player was his "idol". Diogo Jota confessed that "being Portuguese, I always considered him an example to follow".

"When I made my international debut against Lithuania in November 2019, I came on to replace him, which made that moment even more special for me. I can only be grateful for having the opportunity to share a locker room with him", said the red striker in 2021, when asked about his relationship with a Cristiano Ronaldo affected by his death.

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